ABS-CBN’s noontime show It’s Showtime has proven its resilience, overcoming challenges and controversies to bring joy to the "Madlang People."
From network suspensions to the loss of its franchise, the show has remained steadfast, delivering entertainment and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look back at some of Showtime's key milestones in 2024:
'What's Up, Madlang Kapuso!'
After its successful debut on GTV in July 2023, It’s Showtime made another groundbreaking move by taking over GMA’s noontime slot on April 6, 2024, following the farewell of TAPE Inc.'s Tahanang Pinakamasaya.
The pilot episode on GMA marked a historic milestone, featuring an electrifying opening number that trended worldwide and garnered 500,000 peak concurrent views.
"Unkabogable Superstar" Vice Ganda expressed heartfelt gratitude to both ABS-CBN and GMA executives for the opportunity to spread happiness to even more Madlang People.
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Winning Segments
This year, It’s Showtime introduced new and memorable segments that left audiences laughing, crying, and celebrating love:
EXpecially For You
Launched on December 4, 2023, this matchmaking segment takes a unique twist by featuring guest players and their exes. Together, they navigate a heartwarming journey to find love among potential suitors. In some cases, former flames rekindle their romance, while others discover a new beginning with someone special.
Kalokalike: Face 4
After nearly a decade, the hit impersonation talent show returned, crowning Vyan Dela Cruz as KZ Tandingan as the fourth "Ultimate Kalokalike." Kent Villarba (Bruno Mars) and Jerome David Rocco (Daniel Padilla) claimed second and third places, respectively.
And the Breadwinner Is...
Debuting on November 25, this game show combines humor and heart as contestants, dubbed "breadwinnables," vie to prove they are the real breadwinner of a specific job. Celebrity players, with the help of hosts and the audience, determine who holds the actual occupation. The segment also doubles as a promotion for Vice Ganda’s upcoming MMFF 2024 film of the same name.
Magpasikat 2024
The 15th edition of Magpasikat, subtitled "KinsEYYY", took place from October 21 to 26, 2024. The competing teams were composed of: Team Vice-Karylle-Ryan (Team ViRyLle), Team Ogie-Kim-MC-Lassy, Team Vhong-Ion-Darren-Amy (Team VIDA), Team Anne-Jugs-Teddy (Team AJT), and Team Jhong-Jackie-Cianne (Team JJC).
Notably, this year’s Magpasikat returned to its traditional October schedule after being held in November for the past three years. It also became the first edition to air simultaneously on ALLTV and GMA, expanding its reach to a broader audience.
At the culmination of an exciting week, Team Ogie-Kim-MC-Lassy claimed the championship title. Team JJC secured second place, while Team AJT finished in third. For the first time in Magpasikat history, Team Vice-Karylle-Ryan and Team Vhong-Ion-Darren-Amy finished in fourth and fifth places, respectively.
This year’s competition not only celebrated talent and creativity but also reinforced the show's commitment to giving back, with beneficiaries benefiting from the participants' hard work and dedication.
I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch It’s Showtime live at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center in Quezon City on July 4.
The experience began early, as audience members were required to arrive by 9 a.m. to fill out forms and undergo antigen tests, ensuring everyone’s safety. While waiting for the show to kick off, the staff provided reminders to the audience, including guidelines for the show's intro sequence.
The production team enforced strict measures, such as the prohibition of taking photos or videos during the live broadcast. These protocols highlighted the professionalism and discipline behind the scenes.
What made the experience truly unforgettable was my brief moment of TV exposure—just a few seconds, but a memory I’ll treasure forever.
The two-and-a-half-hour stay as part of the Madlang People was nothing short of amazing. I would love to relive the energy, excitement, and camaraderie of being in the live audience again. RGL